Collapsible Work Surface Within Luggage Device

ABSTRACT

The exemplary embodiments provide a luggage device having opposing front and rear sides, a telescoping handle attached to the rear side, and a left side and an opposing right side which are substantially perpendicular to the front and right sides. The device preferably includes a deployable work surface extending from at least one of the left and right sides. In some embodiments, the work surface is comprised of a first portion extending from the left side and a second portion extending from the right side. A compartment may be placed on each side to accept one or more support arms which may be hingedly fastened to each portion of the work surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/037,333 filed on Aug. 14, 2014 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments generally relate to assemblies which can extend from luggage to provide a surface for working or stowing items and devices.

BACKGROUND OF ART

Often times while travelling it may be desirable to have additional horizontal surface area in order to hold food or beverages, provide a work surface for writing, or provide a safe place to store and use electronic devices such as tablets, laptops, cell phones, and similar.

SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

Exemplary embodiments provide a luggage device having a stowable work surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the work surface is supported by support arms which can retract into the baggage portion of the device. When the work surface is desired, the support arms can extend to provide support for the work surface. When the work surface is not desired, the support arms (and optionally the work surface itself) can retract into one or more compartments placed along the sides (or rear) of the baggage portion.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of an exemplary embodiment will be obtained from a reading of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings wherein identical reference characters refer to identical parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the luggage device showing the work surface in its fully deployed state.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the work surface is being rotated relative to the first set of retractable arms and the location for Detail A is shown.

FIG. 3 is a perspective detailed view of Detail A shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the work surface has been completely retracted and stowed.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the exemplary steps to deploy the work surface shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the optional means for removably fixing the work surface to the extendable arms is shown.

FIGS. 7A-7C are a series of perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the ability to removably fix the work surface at a plurality of heights to provide ergonomic height adjustment for various physiologies and positions of the user.

FIG. 8 is a right side perspective view of a second embodiment of the luggage device showing the work surface in its fully deployed state and showing the location for Detail B.

FIG. 9 is a left side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 showing the work surface in its fully deployed state.

FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of Detail B shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the exemplary steps to deploy the work surface of the second embodiment and also shows the location for Detail C.

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of Detail C shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a right side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 where the work surface has been stowed and also showing the location for Detail D.

FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of Detail D shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 showing the retaining devices.

FIG. 16 is a right side perspective view of a third embodiment of the luggage device showing the work surface in its fully deployed state.

FIG. 17 is a right side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 where the work surface has been stowed.

FIG. 18 is a left side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 where the work surface has been stowed.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of the exemplary steps to deploy the work surface for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a right side perspective view of an embodiment similar to what is shown in FIG. 16 where the details of the work surface and outer surfaces of the luggage device are shown.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 where the work surface is deployed.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 where the work surface is deployed.

FIG. 23 is a right side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface has been stowed.

FIG. 24 is a right side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface has been partially deployed.

FIG. 25 is a right side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface has been fully deployed.

FIG. 26 is a right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface remains vertical and the luggage handle is extended.

FIG. 27 is a right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface has been partially deployed.

FIG. 28 is a right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface has been deployed and set to a lower vertical height.

FIG. 29 is a right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface has been deployed and set to a higher vertical height.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the luggage device showing the work surface 25 in its fully deployed state. A first pair of support arms 15 preferably extend from one side of the baggage portion 10 of the device while a second pair of support arms 16 extend from the opposing side of the baggage portion 10. As shown in this figure, the support arms 15 and 16 can preferably retract into a pair of compartments placed on the sides of the baggage portion 10 in order to avoid damaging contact while being handles by manual or automated baggage handling.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the work surface 25 is being rotated relative to the first set of support arms 15 and the location for Detail A is shown. The support arms 16 are shown as fully retracted into the compartment along the side of the baggage portion 10.

FIG. 3 is a perspective detailed view of Detail A shown in FIG. 2. Here the work surface 25 is shown as being hingedly fastened to the pair of support arms 15 through the hinges 35. The hinges 35 can be any type of two sided hinge and can be any shape as long as it permits the work surface 25 to rotate as shown in the Figure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the work surface 25 has been completely retracted and stowed. In this particular embodiment, the work surface 25 simply rotates until the surface is substantially vertical, and then slides downwardly while the support arms 15 are retracted into the compartment. In this embodiment, the work surface 25 then remains along the side of the baggage portion 10. Alternatively, the compartment can be sized so as to accept both the support arms 15 as well as the work surface 25 as the support arms 15 slide downwardly into the compartment. Alternatively, the work surface 25 and support arms 15 once retracted into the compartment may be covered with a fabric or other material which can be secured over the work surface 25 and support arms 15 using any number of common fastening mechanisms including but not limited to snaps, zipper, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, etc.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the exemplary steps to deploy the work surface for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

In the embodiments shown above, the work surface is supported on one side by the hinges 35 attached to the arms 15, and on the other side may simply rest atop the support arms 16. However, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where an optional means 40 for removably fixing the work surface 25 to the support arms 16 is shown. An exemplary means 40 for removably fixing the work surface 25 to the support arms 16 includes but is not limited to: opposing magnets on the support arms 16 and bottom of the work surface 25, a clip, a latch, or any other means for removably fixing the work surface 25 to the support arms 16.

FIGS. 7A-7C are a series of perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the ability to removably fix the work surface 25 at a plurality of heights. Here, the support arms 15 and 16 are preferably telescoping, so that they can extend/retract to provide the work surface 25 at various heights for the user.

FIG. 8 is a right side perspective view of a second embodiment of the luggage device showing the work surface 125 in its fully deployed state and showing the location for Detail B. This embodiment contains one or more clips 50 which rotate outwardly from the baggage portion 10 so that they can accept a portion of the support arm 116.

FIG. 9 is a left side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 showing the work surface 125 in its fully deployed state. Here, the work surface 125 is preferably hingedly fastened to the support arms 115, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 shown above.

FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of Detail B shown in FIG. 8. One or more clips 50 may retract into the baggage portion 10 when the work surface 125 is not in use, and may extend outwardly to accept a portion of the support arms 116 when the work surface 125 is in use. The clips 50 can rotate outwardly as shown or they can simply translate or slide into and out of the baggage portion 10. The clips 50 can be placed at various vertical heights along the edge of the baggage portion 10 so that the support arms 116 can be attached to any one of the clips 50, and when used in combination with support arms 115 (which can be fixed at a number of different heights due to their telescoping properties) can provide the work surface 125 as a plurality of heights for the user.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the exemplary steps to deploy the work surface and also shows the location for Detail C.

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of Detail C shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the work surface 125 is preferably hingedly fastened to the support arms 116.

FIG. 13 is a right side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 where the work surface 125 has been stowed and also showing the location for Detail D.

FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of Detail D shown in FIG. 13. Here, the clips 50 have been rotated/retracted into the baggage portion 10 as they are no longer in use.

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 showing the optional retaining devices 185 for removably fixing the support arms 116 to the underside of the work surface 125. In an exemplary embodiment the retaining devices 185 may be clips, magnets, latches, or a removable bracket.

FIG. 16 is a right side perspective view of a third embodiment of the luggage device showing the work surface 225/226 in its fully deployed state. In this embodiment, the total work surface is comprised of separate pieces. A first portion of the work surface 225 is hingedly fastened to a first pair of support arms 215. A second portion of the work surface 226 is hingedly fastened to a second pair of support arms 216. Again, the support arms 215/216 preferably retract into respective compartments along the sides of the baggage portion 10. The adjoining edge where the first portion 225 and second portion 226 of the work surface meet, preferably contains one or more latching mechanisms 240 which may removably fix the two portions 225/226 together to create a single work surface.

FIG. 17 is a right side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 where the work surface 226 has been stowed.

FIG. 18 is a left side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 where the work surface 225 has been stowed.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of the exemplary steps to deploy the work surface 225/226 for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a right side perspective view of an embodiment similar to what is shown in FIG. 16 where the details of the work surface 226 and outer surfaces of the luggage device 10 are shown. FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 where the work surfaces 225/226 have been deployed. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the first portion of the work surface 225 contains a top surface 231 which is substantially planar and a bottom surface 232 opposing the top surface 231 which may have a curvature and/or geometry which matches that of the exterior of the luggage device 10. Similarly, it is preferable that the second portion of the work surface 226 contains a top surface 229 which is substantially planar and a bottom surface 230 opposing the top surface 229 which may have a curvature and/or geometry which matches that of the exterior of the luggage device 10.

Generally speaking, the luggage device 10 preferably contains a front side 250 which is opposed by a rear side 251 (which typically contains the telescoping handle 290 for transporting/rolling the luggage device 10). The luggage device 10 also preferably contains a top side 263, bottom side 261 (upon which the device normally rests), left side 262, and right side 260. Generally speaking, the front side 250 and rear side 251 each have a large surface area than that of the top side 263, bottom side 261, left side 262, and right side 260. For the exemplary embodiments herein, it is preferred that the work surfaces extend from the left side 262 and/or right side 260. It is also preferable that the storage and extension of the work surfaces from the left side 262 and/or right side 260 do not impede the extension of the telescoping handle 290. Thus, here it is preferable that the telescoping handle 290 extends vertically behind the work surfaces 225/226 so as to present a rear wall to the work area. Generally, it is preferable that the telescoping handle 290 extends substantially perpendicularly to the top surfaces 231/229 of the work surfaces 225/226 respectively.

Specifically in FIG. 20 it can be observed that the right side 260 of the luggage device 10 contains an outer surface 280. In many embodiments, the outer surface 280 presents an outermost surface for the right side 260 of the luggage device 10 and this may have a specifically selected curvature and/or geometry as well as a texture. In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 230 of the work surface 226 contains a curvature and/or geometry as well as texture that are substantially similar to that of the outer surface 280 of right side 260. Of course, it is preferable that the bottom surface 232 of the work surface 225 also contains a curvature and/or geometry as well as texture that are substantially similar to that of the outer surface of left side 262. Thus, as the support arms 216 slide vertically into the compartment 291, the bottom side 230 of the work surface 226 should travel substantially parallel to the surface 280. Once the support arms 216 have been completely accepted into the compartment 291 and the work surface 226 is stowed, the bottom surface 230 should be substantially parallel to surface 280, should generally have a curvature/geometry that matches that of the surface 280, and should generally have a texture that matches that of the surface 280.

The work surface 226 may be described as having a proximal edge which is hingedly fastened to the support arms 216 and a distal edge 293 which opposes the proximal edge. Similarly, the work surface 225 may be described as having a proximal edge which is hingedly fastened to the support arms 215 and a distal edge 296 which opposes the proximal edge. Generally, the two distal edges 293/296 become adjacent to one another when the work surfaces 226/225 are fully deployed. In some embodiments, the two distal edges 293/296 may touch while in others they may only be adjacent to one another. Some embodiments utilize a latching mechanism 240 which could include a pair of magnets, a clasp, a ledge, or a bracket for removably attaching the two distal edges 293/296 to one another while using the work surface. As shown, generally the interface of the two distal edges 293/296 is substantially aligned with vertical and horizontal centerlines of the device 10.

The right side compartment 291 preferably contains a ledge 292 at the top (mouth) of the compartment and similarly, the left side compartment 294 preferably contains a ledge 295 at the top (mouth) of the compartment. In an exemplary embodiment, when stowing the work surface 226, the support arms 216 slide vertically into the compartment 291 until the distal edge 293 contacts the ledge 292. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, when stowing the work surface 225, the support arms 215 slide vertically into the compartment 294 until the distal edge 296 contacts the ledge 295. In some embodiments, the distal edges 293/296 may not actually contact the ledges 292/295 but may come to rest adjacent and substantially parallel to the ledges 292/295 without actually contacting them.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 where the work surface is deployed. In this embodiment, the work surface 226 contains a second surface 236 which is lower than the top surface 229. This could also be described as a notch which has been removed from the top surface 229 of the work surface 226. Here, a portion 235 of the hinge is attached to this second surface 236 (or attached within the notch). In this way, once the hinge is attached to the work surface 226 and it has been completely deployed, there is nothing that protrudes above the top surface 229.

In a similar manner to above, in this embodiment the work surface 225 contains a second surface 238 which is lower than the top surface 231. This could also be described as a notch which has been removed from the top surface 231 of the work surface 225. Here, a portion 237 of the hinge is attached to this second surface 238 (or attached within the notch). In this way, once the hinge is attached to the work surface 225 and it has been completely deployed, there is nothing that protrudes above the top surface 231.

FIG. 23 is a right side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface 325 has been stowed.

FIG. 24 is a right side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface 325 has been partially deployed. Here, the support arms 315 function similarly to the traditional telescoping arms which extend from a carry-on luggage for providing a handle to the user to roll the luggage along the ground. Here, the work surface is attached to the telescoping support arms 315. In an exemplary embodiment, the work surface 325 fits between the support arms 315. Preferably, as the support arms 315 move downwardly to be stowed, the work surface 325 moves downwardly as well. It is preferable for the arms 315 and work surface 325 to fit within a compartment placed on the back of the baggage portion 10 but this is not required, as some embodiments may leave the arms 315 and work surface 325 along the outside of the baggage portion 10 and exposed to plain view.

FIG. 25 is a right side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface 325 has been fully deployed. Here, the work surface 325 is hingedly fastened to the support arms 315 such that once they have telescoped to the desired height, the work surface 325 may rotate relative to the support arms 315 until becoming substantially horizontal.

It should be noted that although the figures show the bottom portion of the work surface 325 rotating towards the baggage portion 10 this is not required. Other embodiments may permit the bottom portion of the work surface 325 to rotate away from the baggage portion 10.

FIG. 26 is a right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface 425 remains vertical and the luggage handle is extended by the support arms 415.

FIG. 27 is a right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface 425 has been partially deployed. In this embodiment, the work surface 425 is hingedly fastened to the support arms 415 near the top portion of the work surface 425 (when arranged vertically) such that the bottom portion of the work surface 425 swings outwardly in order to orient the work surface 425 in a substantially horizontal position. It should be noted that although the figures show the bottom portion of the work surface 425 rotating towards the baggage portion 10 this is not required. Other embodiments may permit the bottom portion of the work surface 425 to rotate away from the baggage portion 10.

FIG. 28 is a right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface 425 has been deployed and set to a lower vertical height based on the amount of retraction of the arms 415 into the baggage portion 10.

FIG. 29 is a right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the luggage device where the work surface 425 has been deployed and set to a higher vertical height based on the amount of extension of the arms 415.

It should be noted that while the embodiments above may show and describe a pair of support arms, in many embodiments the pairing of the arms may not be necessary. In other words, the embodiments shown and described above can also be practiced with only a single support arm on each side of the work surface as opposed to a pair of support arms on each side of the work surface. It would seem clear that the embodiments could also be practiced with more than two support arms. It should also be noted that although a telescoping handle having two support arms is shown, this is also not required as the telescoping handle could also have a single arm or more than two arms.

It should also be noted that with any of the embodiments above, the work surfaces can include a number of features for user convenience, including but not limited to: cup holders, USB charging inputs, or lights. Further, the work surfaces of some embodiments can expand or fold to provide additional surface area than what has been shown above.

Having shown and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the described invention and still be within the scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, many of the elements indicated above may be altered or replaced by different elements which will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims. 

We claim:
 1. A luggage device comprising: opposing front and rear sides; a telescoping handle attached to the rear side; a left side and opposing right side which are substantially perpendicular to the front and rear sides; and a deployable work surface extending from one or more of the left and right sides.
 2. The luggage device of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of support arms which connect the work surface to the left or right side of the luggage device.
 3. The luggage device of claim 2 further comprising: a compartment which accepts the support arms when the work surface is stowed.
 4. The luggage device of claim 1 wherein: the work surface is comprised of a first portion which is attached to the left side and a second portion which is attached to the right side.
 5. The luggage device of claim 4 wherein: the first and second portions each contain a proximal edge which is attached to the support arms and a distal edge which opposes the proximal edge.
 6. The luggage device of claim 5 wherein: when deployed, the distal edges of the first and second portions substantially align with a vertical centerline of the device.
 7. The luggage device of claim 1 wherein: the telescoping handle is free to move vertically while the work surface is deployed.
 8. The luggage device of claim 1 wherein: when deployed, the work surface has a top surface and bottom surface where nothing protrudes above the top surface.
 9. The luggage device of claim 8 wherein: the bottom surface of the work surface contains a texture that substantially matches a texture on the left and right sides of the device.
 10. A luggage device comprising: opposing front and rear sides; a telescoping handle attached to the rear side; a left side and opposing right side which are substantially perpendicular to the front and rear sides; a first portion of a work surface which extends from the left side, said first portion having a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface opposing the top surface, where the bottom surface faces outwardly when the first portion is stowed; and a second portion of a work surface which extends from the right side, said first portion having a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface opposing the top surface, where the bottom surface faces outwardly when the second portion is stowed.
 11. The luggage device of claim 10 wherein: the bottom surface of the first portion is substantially aligned with an outer surface of the left side when the first portion is stowed; and the bottom surface of the second portion is substantially aligned with an outer surface of the right side when the second portion is stowed.
 12. The luggage device of claim 10 further comprising: a first notch placed within the top surface of the first portion; a first support arm which is attached to the first portion and within the notch; a second notch placed within the top surface of the second portion; and a second support arm which is attached to the first portion and within the notch.
 13. The luggage device of claim 10 further comprising: a first lower surface placed on the first portion and located below a vertical height of the top surface; a first support arm which is attached to the first lower surface; a second lower surface placed on the second portion and located below a vertical height of the top surface; and a second support arm which is attached to the second lower surface.
 14. The luggage device of claim 10 further comprising: a first support arm which connects the first portion to the left side; a first compartment placed on the left side which accepts the first support arm when the first portion is stowed; a second support arm which connects the second portion to the right side; and a second compartment placed on the right side which accepts the second support arm when the second portion is stowed.
 15. A luggage device comprising: opposing first and second sides; a first compartment positioned on the first side and having a top ledge; a second compartment positioned on the second side and having a top ledge; a first support arm which extends from the first compartment; a second support arm which extends from the second compartment; a first portion of a deployable work surface having a proximal edge which is hingedly fastened to the first support arm and a distal edge which opposes the proximal edge; a second portion of a deployable work surface having a proximal edge which is hingedly fastened to the second support arm and a distal edge which opposes the proximal edge; wherein the distal edge of the first portion is adjacent to the top ledge of the first compartment when the first portion is stowed; and wherein the distal edge of the second portion is adjacent to the top ledge of the second compartment when the second portion is stowed.
 16. The luggage device of claim 15 wherein: the distal edge of the first portion is adjacent to the distal edge of the second portion when the first and second portions are deployed.
 17. The luggage device of claim 15 wherein: the distal edge of the first portion and the distal edge of the second portion are substantially aligned with a vertical centerline of the device when the first and second portions are deployed.
 18. The luggage device of claim 15 wherein the distal edge of the first portion contacts the top ledge of the first compartment when the first portion is stowed; and wherein the distal edge of the second portion contacts the top ledge of the second compartment when the second portion is stowed.
 19. The luggage device of claim 15 further comprising: a first notch placed at the proximal edge of the first portion, where the first support arm is attached within the notch; and a second notch placed within the proximal edge of the second portion, where the second support arm is attached within the notch.
 20. The luggage device of claim 15 further comprising: a first lower surface placed on the first portion and located below a vertical height of the top surface and near the proximal edge, where the first support arm is attached to the first lower surface; a second lower surface placed on the second portion and located below a vertical height of the top surface and near the proximal edge, where the second support arm is attached to the second lower surface. 